On December 30, 2020, the head of the Armaments Department, Lieutenant General Paolo Giovannini, announced the order for the Italian land forces of the second batch of 86 Centauro II armored vehicles (BM).
Armored vehicles (8×8) will be delivered in version 3.0 with electrics and fire protection and control systems adapted to modern requirements. The contract also includes logistics support for 10 years and continues with the purchase of 10 Centauro II BM in version 2.0 in 2018. The developer and manufacturer of the product is the Iveco-Oto Melara Consortium (rrcio).
Centauro II version 2.0 armored vehicle
BM Centauro II are designed to perform the tasks of ensuring the security of the area and conducting reconnaissance by the forces of cavalry regiments and should-together with the wheeled BMP "Freccia" (Freccia) developed on the same basis) - replace the Centauro I BM in service since the 1980s. The distinctive features of the new equipment are a 120 mm gun and a new 530 kW Euro III diesel engine.
The main weapon of the armored vehicle – 120 mm gun L45 from Oto Melara can fire all 120 mm ammunition of NATO standards (for example, kinetic LKE I and multi-purpose MZ). For use on a wheeled vehicle, recoil is reduced by an integrated and stabilized muzzle brake. Despite the automatic loader, there was no charger without it. In addition to emergency maintenance of the gun, it will take on tasks such as additional surveillance or control of the Hitrole weapon station under armor protection (optional).
The power of the diesel engine is distributed to all eight wheels through an automatic transmission with H-drive. Wheels with emergency running inserts have independent hydropneumatic suspension. To improve cross-country performance, the tire pressure is adjusted usingthe Central Tire Inflation System ( CTIS).
It is reported that the protection of the BM from mines, IEDs and kinetic ammunition of the latest generation is significantly improved due to a completely redesigned hull and turret design, and integrated additional ballistic protection. However, the level of protection is not disclosed. Anti-mine seats protect the crew from the impact of an explosion. Other protective elements are ZOMP systems, fire suppression and suppression of explosion energy.
BM Centauro II in Italy
Tactical and technical characteristics (optional)
- length / width / height (m): 8,26 / 2,10 / 3,12;
- combat weight: 30 tons;
- crew: commander, gunner, loader;
- engine, power: Iveco Vector 8V-Euro 3, 533 kW;
- Specific power: 17.8 kW / t;
- maximum speed (on the highway): more than 105 km / h;
- Main armament: 1×120 mm / 45 LRF (optional 105 mm / 52 LRF);
- additional armament: twin 7.62 mm machine gun;
- Remote-controlled combat module Hitrole Mod L.
Together with the first contract, a total of 106 Centauro II BM were ordered in 2018. The Italian ground forces reported a need for 150 armored vehicles of this type. Thus, there is still a deficit of 44 cars. It is still unknown whether the first BM was delivered at the end of 2020. Deadlines for the next production order are also not reported.
Based on the materials of the resource esut.de